Travelling is seen by many as incomplete without capturing pictures and freezing moments in time to cherish. It feels good to look back at the pictures and relive the amazing time. Though we take a thousand selfies in a hundred different poses, the joy of holding a Polaroid picture in our hands beats it by a million times.
The inventor and founder of the Polaroid Corporation, Edwin H. Land, developed the first instant camera as a hobby during World War II. The Land Camera Model 95 has its origins traced back to 1947 and was first sold commercially in 1948. Edwin Land introduced the world to his ingenious invention—the Polaroid camera. The camera had an iconic foldable design and instant film capabilities.
The Model 95 was a revolutionary breakthrough, allowing users to capture a moment and see it develop right before their eyes. The technology packed the chemistry of a darkroom into a hand-held camera. It produced sepia-coloured prints in about 1 minute (back then, people had more patience). Its ease of use and instant gratification (one minute as compared to developing a film can be count as instant) made it a favourite among globetrotters, who cherished the ability to capture their adventures and share the tangible memories with loved ones back home.
With the advent of digital photography, Polaroid cameras faced a decline in popularity. However, their unique appeal endured, and enthusiasts clung to the tangible quality of instant film. This led to a revival of interest, and in recent years, Polaroid cameras have made a comeback with modern iterations. It is now very much popular amongst the millennial and Gen Z population.
In an era of instant digital gratification, the charm of Polaroid photography endures. Holding a freshly developed photograph in your hands still evokes a sense of wonder and nostalgia—a reminder of simpler times and the joy of physical mementos.
